Northern California's Finest

Northern California's Finest

79 Views
9 Days From

$4059

$3745

Northern California's Finest

9 Days Starting and ending in San Francisco, California

Visiting: San Francisco, Sonoma, Sacramento, Yosemite National Park, Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, North America

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

AL-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

0 - 36

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

5-99

Special diets catered:

Please Advise Request

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Walking, Wine Tasting

From: $4059 $3745 Barrhead discount: -$313

NB: Prices correct on 23-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Southern California may be known for its movie stars, but Northern California is the home of true legends that stand the test of time. The real larger-than-life superstars you’ll encounter here are found in the stunning landscapes of Yosemite National Park and the rocky coast along Monterey’s famous 17-Mile Drive. From the dramatic hills of the streets of San Francisco to the towering giants of Sequoia and King Canyon National Parks, you’ll be a fan for life on this nine-day tour through Northern California. Visit a family-owned winery in the serene Sonoma Valley to taste their award-winning wines. Other stellar experiences to toast on this Northern California vacation? Stargazing under the sequoias and saying goodnight from the comfort of classic stone-and-cedar national park lodges.

Highlights

  • Explore San Francisco with a walk on Fisherman’s Wharf and a bowl of clam chowder.

  • Sightseeing tour of San Francisco including Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf.

  • Wine tasting at a family-owned winery in Sonoma.

  • Visit Yosemite National Park with its waterfalls, meadows, and ancient sequoias.

  • Stargazing experience in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks.

  • Drive along scenic 17-Mile Drive and visit Carmel-by-the-Sea.

  • Explore historic Cannery Row in Monterey.

Places You'll See

San Francisco Marriott Marquis

Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade

Tenaya Lodge At Yosemite

Wuksachi Lodge

Hyatt Regency Monterey

Golden Gate Bridge

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In San Francisco,California

Location: San Francisco

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: San Francisco Marriott Marquis

ARRIVE IN SAN FRANCISCO,CALIFORNIA Welcome to San Francisco! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink. FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE in San Francisco with a walk on Fisherman’s Wharf, a bowl of clam chowder with famous sourdough bread, or a Ghirardelli chocolate or two in the stunning city by the bay. Your Tour Director has suggestions for your night, and your GlobusGO mobile app puts all the possibilities right at your fingertips.

Day 2: San Francisco

Location: San Francisco

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: San Francisco Marriott Marquis

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

SAN FRANCISCO The City by the Bay This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of San Francisco to take in its famous sights. Enjoy free time to explore the Golden City before dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCITY SIGHTS San Francisco is a city to be loved. Maybe that’s why so many visitors really do leave their hearts here. From Golden Gate National Recreation area and the stunning Japanese Tea Gardens to the iconic and incredible Golden Gate Bridge to the historic Presidio, you’ll also soak in the sea air with sights of Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, and more.

Day 3: San Francisco,Sonoma,Sacramento

Location: San Francisco, Sonoma, Sacramento

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade

Meals Included: Breakfast

SAN FRANCISCO–SONOMA–SACRAMENTO Bridge to Bountiful Travel across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sonoma for a city tour and free time for lunch on your own. Delight in a tasting at a [LF] family-owned winery. Continue to the capital of California, Sacramento, for a sightseeing tour and a free evening. Tonight, venture out to explore one of the many restaurants, craft breweries, and wine-tasting rooms. (B)LOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES Visit a beautiful winery, where estate-grown, sustainably farmed wines have flowed for over a century. Taste the California vintages that thrive here with a tradition of generations.

Day 4: Sacramento,Yosemite National Park

Location: Sacramento, Yosemite National Park

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

SACRAMENTO–YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK Treasures of the High Sierras Travel south through the Sierra Nevada Mountains to Yosemite National Park. Best known for its waterfalls, but with nearly 1,200 square miles, you can also find grand meadows, ancient sequoias, and much more. Continue to the Tenaya Lodge for a memorable 2-night stay. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHTACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Tenaya Lodge is nestled among towering Sugar Pines in the Sierra National Forest offering an elegant stay with access to multiple eateries, a world-class spa, three swimming pools, and refined guestrooms with deluxe amenities. Enjoy the night sky and sweet snack at the fire pit with a s’mores kit. The pinnacle of Yosemite-area lodging, Tenaya Lodge offers Globus travelers something special.

Day 5: Yosemite National Park

Location: Yosemite National Park

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite

Meals Included: Breakfast

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK Nature’s Cathedral Today, descend into the 4,000-foot valley for an open-air Valley Floor Tram to explore the famous sites of El Capitan, Cathedral Spires, Yosemite Falls, and Half Dome. Enjoy free time for the balance of the day in Yosemite National Park. (B)FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE in Yosemite National Park. The place which Theodore Roosevelt described as a “great solemn cathedral, far vaster and more beautiful than any built by the hand of man.” After camping with naturalist John Muir, the president was so moved by the natural and sacred beauty of this pristine land that he established the National Forest Service, followed by hundreds of national monuments, protected parks, and wildlife sanctuaries—preserving more than 200 million acres of wilderness for generations to come. Your Tour Director can offer recommendations on how to fill your day.

Day 6: Yosemite,Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

Location: Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Wuksachi Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

YOSEMITE–SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS Forest Giants & Heavenly Objects Travel to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. Tonight, enjoy dinner followed by a [LF] stargazing experience. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITENATURAL WONDERS Explore the “Land of Giants” in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks to discover a land of stunning diversity and beauty with soaring mountains, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the world’s largest trees! This natural region is also blessed with some of the darkest night skies (free from city lights) that offer an amazing opportunity for spectacular stargazing. As you look skyward to the glittering heavens, hear ancient and cultural legends about the constellations you’ll witness in the night sky. TOUR HIGHLIGHTACCOMODATION SPOTLIGHT Feel like you're dreaming with a stay at the wonderful Wuksachi Lodge in the heart of Sequoia National Park. The beautifully crafted cedar and stone architecture offer panoramic views of the surrounding forest and High Sierra peaks from its spectacular alpine setting in the Sequoias.

Day 7: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks,Monterey

Location: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, Monterey

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hyatt Regency Monterey

Meals Included: Breakfast

SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS–MONTEREY Old-Growth Trees & Ocean Tides Spend more time this morning exploring these magnificent parks, which now protect nearly half the remaining sequoia groves in the world. See the General Sherman Tree, spend time at the Visitors’ Center, or simply relax in the tranquil settings. Continue across the farmlands of California to the coastal town of Monterey, home to the world-famous Cannery Row, for a 2-night stay. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORY & HERITAGE Immortalized by John Steinbeck in his novel of the same name, Cannery Row is filled with history and vibrant sights along the waterfront of Monterey Bay. Once a bustling district of sardine factories, the street is a brightly painted avenue of eateries and shops that harken back to a heritage of fishermen and rich stories. Tomorrow morning, stroll along the wharf for the chance to see whales, otters, and other sea creatures in the kelp forests of the Pacific Ocean shore.

Day 8: Monterey. Excursion To Carmel

Location: Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hyatt Regency Monterey

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

MONTEREY. EXCURSION TO CARMEL The Rocky Shores of Pebble Beach This morning, spend your free time visiting historic Cannery Row and the pier at Fisherman’s Wharf. Other highlights today include a journey along scenic 17-Mile Drive and the seaside town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Return to Monterey, where your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEMS Feel the windswept spirit of the Pacific Ocean with a spectacular drive along 17-Mile Drive to the charming haven of Carmel-by-the-Sea. See its crooked cottages and twisted trees in the popular haunt of writers, artists, and celebrities. You’ll pass by sweeping sea views and rocky shores, visit the world-famous Pebble Beach Golf Course for a walk on the fairway, and see the iconic Lone Cypress clinging to its rocky perch.

Day 9: Monterey,San Francisco

Location: Monterey, San Francisco

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, travel back to San Francisco for your homebound flight. Please schedule flights after 1 pm.

What's Included

  • Fully Guided

    Expert guide and director on this tour.

  • Transport

    Private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi

  • Meals

    8 Breakfast and 4 dinner are included.

  • Accommodation

    As detailed in the itinerary

What's Not Included

  • Optional Activities

  • International Travel

  • Insurance

Meals

Breakfast daily, 4 dinners

Small Group

Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select North America dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.

UNESCO Sites

Yosemite National Park

Accommodation

San Francisco:San Francisco Marriott Marquis
Sacramento:Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade
Yosemite National Park:Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
Sequoia National Park:Wuksachi Lodge
Monterey:Hyatt Regency Monterey

Mode of Transport

Travel across Northern California by coach, including scenic drives through the Sierra Nevada Mountains and along the Pacific coast, with stops at iconic locations such as San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, and Monterey.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of transportation is used during the tour?

    The tour travels across Northern California by coach, including scenic drives through the Sierra Nevada Mountains and along the Pacific coast.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

    The tour includes stays at various hotels: San Francisco Marriott Marquis in San Francisco, Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade in Sacramento, Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite in Yosemite National Park, Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia National Park, and Hyatt Regency Monterey in Monterey.

  • Are there any special activities included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes a variety of special activities such as a welcome drink in San Francisco, a wine tasting at a family-owned winery in Sonoma, an open-air Valley Floor Tram tour in Yosemite National Park, and a stargazing experience in Sequoia National Park.

  • What meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes breakfast daily and 4 dinners.

  • Is there any free time during the tour to explore on my own?

    Yes, there are several opportunities for free time during the tour, including free time in San Francisco, Sonoma, Sacramento, Yosemite National Park, and Monterey.

  • What are some of the highlights of the tour?

    Highlights of the tour include sightseeing in San Francisco, visiting Yosemite National Park, exploring Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, and a journey along scenic 17-Mile Drive to Carmel-by-the-Sea.

  • Is this tour suitable for small groups?

    Yes, Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select North America dates, limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure.

  • What is the starting and ending location of the tour?

    The tour starts and ends in San Francisco, California.

  • What time should I schedule my flight on the last day of the tour?

    Please schedule flights after 1 pm on the last day of the tour.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

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1 Select your preferred date

Friday - Saturday

May 02, 2025 - May 10, 2025
$4059 $3745

Barrhead discount: -$313

Friday - Saturday

May 23, 2025 - May 31, 2025
$4635 $4322

Barrhead discount: -$313

Friday - Saturday

Jun 06, 2025 - Jun 14, 2025
$4710 $4397

Barrhead discount: -$313

Friday - Saturday

Jul 25, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025
$4234 $3921

Barrhead discount: -$313

Friday - Saturday

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$4798 $4485

Barrhead discount: -$313

Friday - Saturday

Aug 29, 2025 - Sep 06, 2025
$4154 $3841

Barrhead discount: -$313

Friday - Saturday

Oct 17, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025
$4628 $4314

Barrhead discount: -$313

Friday - Saturday

May 08, 2026 - May 16, 2026
$4428 $3990

Barrhead discount: -$439

Friday - Saturday

May 22, 2026 - May 30, 2026
$5055 $4616

Barrhead discount: -$439

Friday - Saturday

Jun 05, 2026 - Jun 13, 2026
$4610 $4171

Barrhead discount: -$439

Friday - Saturday

Jul 17, 2026 - Jul 25, 2026
$4610 $4171

Barrhead discount: -$439

Friday - Saturday

Aug 14, 2026 - Aug 22, 2026
$5224 $4785

Barrhead discount: -$439

Friday - Saturday

Aug 28, 2026 - Sep 05, 2026
$4610 $4171

Barrhead discount: -$439

Friday - Saturday

Sep 11, 2026 - Sep 19, 2026
$5224 $4785

Barrhead discount: -$439

Friday - Saturday

Sep 18, 2026 - Sep 26, 2026
$4522 $4084

Barrhead discount: -$439

Friday - Saturday

Oct 09, 2026 - Oct 17, 2026
$5049 $4610

Barrhead discount: -$439

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.

    Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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